Plano dermatologist shares the importance of addressing sun spots on the skin to fight the signs of aging
In our Plano office, we see many women who are unhappy with the lines and wrinkles. But many don’t realize that sun spots also contribute to an aged appearance. Nearly two-thirds of women over age 35 have discoloration, sun spots, or uneven skin tone. These skin conditions can make the face appear much older. To achieve a more youthful appearance, patients should be addressing sun spots and uneven skin tone as well as wrinkles and fine lines.
In dermatology, we refer to these skin conditions as hyperpigmentation, but they may be called:
- Age spots
- Sun spots
- Liver Spots
- Solar lentigines
To address sun spots and other hyperpigmentation issues, we may recommend the following treatments:
- 1. Topical treatments. There are several products available that are very effective in evening out skin tone and minimizing the appearance of dark spots on the skin.
- 2. Chemical Peels. Chemical peels remove the upper layer of skin, allowing for growth of fresh, clear skin.
- 3. Light Therapy. Intense pulsed light therapy delivers focused light to the skin to reduce the appearance of spots while leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched.
In addition to the above-mentioned treatments, patients who are prone to sun spots should heed the following advice.
Do:
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when outdoors year around. Remember to reapply often.
- Use long sleeved clothing, pants, and hats when outside for prolonged periods of time.
- Keep skin hydrated by using moisturizers and drinking plenty of water.
Don’t:.
- Utilize indoor tanning beds. There is no safe type of tan.
When in doubt, you can always call your Plano area dermatologist. We can evaluate your sun spots, offer treatment options as well as recommendations for at-home skin care solutions to prevent additional spots from occurring.
